Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Fontana

California
146

Long Beach is 16% more expensive than Fontana.

$1,803/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↓ 4%
$83,969/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 17%
$762,200 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$558,500 ↓ 27%
$1,890/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 5%
458,491
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $14,218/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Fontana — common questions

Is Long Beach or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Fontana?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Fontana?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $14,218/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Fontana

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester